This is a 3 day extravaganza of wild entertainment such as Local H, Puddle of MUDD on Thursday, Salt-n-Pepa and Vanilla Ice on Friday. As well as RaeLynn, Josh Thompson and Aaron Tippin on Saturday. But lets not forget, included in this event will be a carnival car, truck & motorcycle show, BBQ competition, bean bag competition and much more!

During the five days of fun, rides, games, shows, beer garden, parades, teen Idol, baby contest and more. You are bound to see astronauts, Martians, the Jetsons, Buzz Lightyear, Luke Skywalker and more as you orbit the festival grounds.

August 24, 2014 marked 30 years since the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor had been signed into existence by President Ronald Reagan. The theme for our 3rd Annual Canal Alliance Congress during this anniversary year is “Looking Back, Looking Forward.” We will be looking back at the founding of the national heritage corridor and past projects and how they are doing today. Then we will look forward at projects in the works and only dreamed of, to envision what the Canal Corridor will be like in the future. There are a variety of sections, including panel discussions, pecha kucha presentations (pecha kucha is a presentation with 20 seconds per slide for 20 slides), and networking breaks, as well as an hour lunch. Reservations required.

The Power of Music is a dynamic, weekend-long exploration of the powers derived from music. The festival opens with the screening of a powerful new film documenting the use of Beethoven's 9th Symphony to affect change in different cultural and social contexts. Day two starts with an afternoon lecture by renowned musicologist, Jason Geary, on the power of music to persuade and its uses in mass media, and finishes with an evening recital by acclaimed Venezuelan pianist, Gabriela Martinez. The festival concludes on day three with a showcase of the power of music to enrich and enhance the lives of young area musicians, with a showcase of local talent. Festival passes are $50, and include admission to all events.

Let's spend a day at the fair. Go to the time-honored livestock shows, play some games, enter contests, enjoy the exciting live entertainment, be brave and ride on the carnival rides, or feast on the fair food; but don't forget to see the demolition derby or rodeo.

Come out for the Annual Kankakee River Valley Fishing Derby! The Kankakee is a clean river that is a popular destination for recreational canoeing and fishing for warm-water species such as smallmouth bass, channel catfish, walleye and northern pike. Our fishing derby is a ten-day event providing exciting fun for the whole family and cash prizes are awarded for tagged fish.

Merchant Street MusicFest brings together an eclectic range of music, artists, food and people to celebrate diversity throughout the community.
Merchant Street MusicFest is a FREE two-day music and arts festival at the historic downtown train depot located at 199 South East Avenue in Kankakee, IL. The event is a community celebration featuring local, regional, and national musical talent on 3 stages, fine and folk art vendors and great food and drink. Tempt your tastebuds with our local food vendors' best offerings or just sit back with a cold one and let the melodic sounds wash over you.

This event gives the public a chance to see the 70 foot Mill which was built in 1872 and view the unique construction inside on the first two floors. Participants will be demonstrating all old time crafts.

The Mission of the "Pause for Patriotism" Committee is: to instill a Love of our Country, demonstrate an attachment to the land and people, an admiration for our customs and traditions, and a devotion to the welfare of our Country, in our children and their families through the annual "Armed Forces Day" celebration and other activities throughout the year. There will also be great entertainment, food, and beverages for people all ages.

Visit the Museum Campus at Small Memorial Park from 10-4 for grounds filled with vendors, music, contests, pies, and lovely gardens. The one room school house and the memorial home of Dr. A.L. Small, built in 1855 and boyhood home of Lennington Small, Governor of Illinois from 1921-1929, will be open.

The Warrior Dash in Channahon, IL is the world's largest running series. Held on challenging and rugged terrain, people come from all over to participate in feats of courage and strength; like sprinting over fire, trudging through mud and scaling at least 12 obstacles during this fierce 5K. From couch potatoes to novice runners to extreme athletes, Warrior Dash truly is an event for all athletic abilities.